NCD - Sahale Descent- Riding the Chief of Cascade Pass - 2 Day

Location

Chelan County, Washington

Group Size

3 people per guide

Duration

2 days

Sahale Descent from 8,680 ft. (means Great Chief) ride down the center of the North Cascades! Tour into the Boston Basin region of the North Cascades National Park, up the Quien Sabe Glacier surrounded by Sharkfin Tower, Boston Peak, and Sahale Peak. Remarkable alpine views accompanied with easy glacier climbing make this one of the most appealing glisse descents of the Cascades. From the summit take in the views of Forbidden Peak, Eldorado Peak, Mt. Buckner, Mt. Shuksan, and the rest of the North Cascades. Don’t forget your camera! The mountain’s abundant alpine terrain  with great bowls, faces and tree skiing makes this a great weekend tour!

ITINERARY 

Day 1:We drive from Seattle to the trailhead and head up Midas Creek with a strenuous tour to high camp at the base of the Quien Sabe Glacier. We will also have time to discuss in detail the aspects of the climb necessary for safety and efficiency. The afternoon is dedicated to setting camp and enjoying a run. The remainder of the evening is spent making final preparations for the next day’s summit attempt.

Day 2:The second day begins a pre-dawn start (~5:00 am) we climb up and on our way toward the summit. Depending on conditions and the pace of the group, it takes from three to six hours to reach the summit. From the top, we have stunning views of the morning sunlight rising above distant peaks. Our descent includes a short 35-40 degree headwall with rolling glacial terrain back to our camp. After a quick snack, we break camp, head down the mountain with great old growth tree riding, arriving back at the trailhead by 2- 4 p.m.